September 1989 The News Argus PAGE 7
Tcaturcs
Personal Hygiene
By Arnetta Hauser, R.N.
A.H. RAY HEALTH CENTER, WSSU
Why begin this year by writing about personal hygiene you ask? Surely every
one on a college campus would know how to care for their bodies and prevent odor
right? Well that's what I had assumed. I'll tell you what changed by mind. Two
young men were in the Health Center this summer discussing campus life, and they
made some rather startling revelations. Among them was the necessity of talking to
the young ladies about personal hygiene. I decided to take the suggestion to hean,
however; the problem will be addressed as it pertains to members of both sexes.
Just what is personal hygiene anyway? Personal hygiene includes the regular
routine things a person does to maintain a clean and healthy body: (1) Washing and
grooming regularly, (2) Eating a balanced diet, and (3) Getting enough rest and
exercise.
There are at least five consequences that poor personal hygiene can lead to; (1)
Social rejection - You wonder why no one likes to visit your room? Having trouble
keeping friends? Does your roommate keep the window open even when it is cool
outside? (2) Poor self image - You begin to rationalize about your lack of social
contacts. You think maybe you don't have the right clothes or you hair is not right
or you're not pretty enough. (3) Vulnerability to disease and illness. (4) Loss of
Teeth - Poor dental hygiene leads to swollen, bleeding gums. (5) Infections and par
asitic conditions - Your body could become a breeding ground for crab lice and sca
bies (body lice). Poor handwashing habits (especially after using the bathroom) can
predispose you to hepatitis.
Here are a few tips to aid you in doing away with the negative and accentuating
the positive. Making the transition from poor hygiene to responsible or good
hygiene involves the following:
GOOD SKIN CARE: Most people should bathe at least once daily. Whether or
not you bathe more frequently depends upon the type of activities you participate in.
Remember, when you sweat, your body is eliminating wastes through your skin.
Lather well with soap. A gentle massaging motion loosens dirt and oil and stimu
lates circulation. Pay special attention to genitals and skin area with folds and
creases - bacteria and dirt build up in these places. In the female, the cervix secretes
a mucous to constantly cleanse itself. Normal secretions appear clear or whitish and
produce no strong odor. Any discharge that produces an unpleasant odor may indi
cate a vaginal infection. You should see a physician as soon as possible. Frequent
bathing is recortunended during the menstrual cycle.
Rinsing well after bathing is a must to remove dirt and soap which can dry out
the skin. Dry thoroughly to remove all moisture, especially in creases between toes,
buttocks, etc. Improperly dried feet have been known to provide a perfect environ
ment for the athlete's foot fungus.
Use a mild soap on your face, or use a facial cream. Deodorant soaps, very hot
water and vigorous scrubbing can irritate the skin.
After bathing, you may use either a deodorant (it kills bacteria to stop odors) an
antiperspirant (it blocks sweat glands to reduce wetness) or a combination of both.
Sometimes, vaginal sprays or deodorants cause irritation and itching to the area.
Keep linens and underwear clean. Rinse face cloths thoroughly after use.
Hang face cloths and towels to dry and change them often. Change sheets and pil
low cases weekly. Underwear should be changed daily also. Cotton crotch under
wear present an excellent foil for yeast infections.
If you use makeup, be advised that foundations, powders, etc., can clog pores.
Don't share makeup and remember to remove it before going to bed.
A sponge bath is a good alternative if you can't bathe or shower. Some people
shower at night and take a sponge bath the next morning. Be sure to thoroughly
clean ears, armpits, genitals and anal area.
To prevent foot odor, bathe the feet daily and dry thoroughly. Change socks
daily, and air out shoes. When all else fails, there are over the counter remedies
which can be worn in the shoe.
Cut toenails straight across, even with the tip of the toe, never cut into comers.
Another preventative measure against ingrown toenails is to avoid tight shoes or
very high heels.
On the other hand, if you shave, whether its you underarms, legs or face, there
are few things to remember. Wash the area thoroughly, then rinse. Apply shaving
lather, cream or whatever special preparation you chose. Shave with a sharp razor
blade, then rinse the area thoroughly.
According to the American College Health Association, the college aged popu
lation is at high risk for dental disease. Proper oral hygiene helps prevent bad
breath, toothaches, gum disease and tooth loss. Bacteria in the mouth and in foods
form plaque, a substance that sticks to teeth. Plaque can eat through tooth enamel
and cause cavities. It can also collect at the gumline and harden into calculus,
which causes the gums to recede. Teeth may eventually loosen and fall out. To
retard plaque formation, brush teeth at least twice a day. Floss (clean under gums
and between teeth daily as well). Dental floss may be purchased wherever tooth
brushes are sold. For maximum protection, get together regular dental check-ups,
don't wait until you have a problem.
Good nutrition is essential to your overall good health and looks. Make sure
you eat foods from each of the basic four food groups which include: (a) The meat
group which provides proteins, minerals, fats and B vitamins, (b) The fruit and veg
etable group which provides vitamins A and C, minerals and fibers, (c) The bread
and cereal group which provided carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, (d)
The milk group which provided calcium, proteins, vitamins A etc.
Drink at least 6 cups of liquids (preferably water) daily. This will help prevent
constipation, and give you a clearer complexion.
Good hygiene helps prevent problems by: *removing dirt and bacteria regular
ly, *providing necessary nutrients for good health, *keeping muscles and organs in
top working condition.
There is an old adage "A word to the wise is sufficient." Hopefully that will be
the case in this instance. There are so many other things to be concerned with as
this school year begins, the problems associated with poor personal hygiene need
not be added to the list.
*Some of the material in this article was supplied by the booklet: About Per
sonal Hygiene cp 1983, Cbanning Bete Company.
Arnetta Hauser is the head nurse of the A.H. Ray Health Center on the WSSU
campus.
Health Forms Anyone?
By Arnetta Hauser, R.N.
A.H. RAY HEALTH CENTER, WSSU
Frequently we are asked the question
in the Health Center, "Why do I need to
turn in a health form? I don't live on cam
pus or I'm just taking a few classes. What
the Health Center staff would like stu
dents to remember is that an accident or
illness can happen at any time.
How important is your medical histo
ry form? It could serve as a life line
between you and disaster.
The Report of Medical History gives
the Health Center a base of operation
while caring for your medical and some
times psychological needs.
First of all, it gives a personal and
family history which is priceless. Having
frequent headaches? Is there a family his
tory of hypertension? Chest pains? Does
heart disease run in your family?
The personal history section gives us
an overall picture of the condition of your
health in the past. It also allows the
physician who administered you physical
examinations (hopefully your family
physician) to review what you have sub
mitted and make additional comments
concerning your health problems.
Another important area is next of kin.
Should your condition warrant it. Health
Center personnel may have to contact a
relative in case of an emergency. It is
preferable that the next of kin not live in
the same household, which would give us
two numbers to use instead of one when
contacting family. For those students who
are under the age of 18, we must have the
signature of a parent or guardian before
medical u-eatment can be rendered.
On the reverse or physical examina
tion side of the form, room is allotted for
the required immunization or shot record.
This information is required by State Law.
Failure to present an immunization record
could result in your "disenrollment" from
WSSU. New stipulations for this year
demand that all students (regardless of
age) must show 3 DTP shots and 1 boost
er. Those students whose record shows a
need, will be required to keep their tetanus
shots up to date.
The lower portion of the form is set
for comments by your private physician
concerning (1) impaired function of any
body system (2) recommendations for
physical activity and 3 recommendations
regarding your care. Students with spe
cial problems e.g. sickle cell anemia,
epilepsy, asthma, fainting episodes, dia
betes, etc., should ensure that this section
has been completed accurately.
Persons who are presently taking
medications should include the name and
dosage of the medication on the health
form. It is vital that the Health Center be
aware of any condition which could affect
your matriculation through this university.
* Arnetta Hauser is the head nurse of
the A.H. Ray Health Center on WSSU's
campus.